The Upper Hunter Valley, surrounding Merriwa and Denman is the home of the Australian racing industry and the birthplace of Pony Club Australia. The area is also renown for the production of fine wool, beef and dairy cattle and some an excellent wineries. Coal mining has brought a boom to the region, increasing both the population and the demand for products and services.

The townships of Merriwa and Denman are community minded rural townships, which are traditionally agricultural based but are currently experiencing a population boom due to increased mining activity. The townships offer a diverse range of products and services to their ever-increasing population. The region has a strong equine theme, with 70% of all thoroughbreds born in Australia calling the Upper Hunter home. The region benefits from a wide range of well-supported community groups and boasts an excellent calendar of social and sporting events throughout the year. The regions major centres are Scone and Muswellbrook, around 30 minutes away, which offer a variety of services to the regions smaller townships.